adminHerald Reporter
Legislators in the National Assembly yesterday congratulated President Mugabe on his recent election to the chairmanship of the African Union, saying his ascension to the post was victory for Zimbabwe against its detractors. The motion to thank the President was moved by Zanu-PF Chief Whip and MberengwaWest representative Cde Joram Gumbo.
“The ascension of the President is a source of pride to all Zimbabweans because he has been demonised by Western countries that also fought hard to prevent him from assuming the post,” he said.
“The fact that he is now the chairman of both Sadc and the AU shows that he is respected by all African leaders and that they have faith in his leadership and vision.”
Zanu-PF legislator for Midlands under proportional representation Cde Anastancia Ndlovu said President Mugabe was a tried and tested leader who represents the values promoted by Africa’s founding fathers.
“He is a tried and tested leader, a revolutionary par excellence and a principled and straight forward man,” she said.
“His history speaks for itself and we want to thank other African leaders for the faith they have shown in him.
“He is the only President who was there at the formation of the then OAU now AU and represents the values enunciated by Africa’s founding fathers.”
Chegutu West representative Cde Dexter Nduna said President Mugabe deserved the post as he has led the fight for Africa’s emancipation.
“We are talking of a person who has led the fight for liberation for Africans, for South Africa, Namibia and other countries facing instability like Mozambique, Angola, Somalia and the DRC,” he said.
“Africa is going to benefit from the leadership values of the President.”
MDC-T’s representative for Hatfield Mr Tapiwa Mashakada said Africa was facing a lot of challenges and wished President Mugabe well in leading the fight to find lasting solutions to the challenges.
MDC-T representative for Southerton Mr Gift Chimanikire said he hoped that the President would use his leadership and experience to solve security issues bedevilling the continent.
“We have a number of hot spots on the continent, including the challenge of Boko Haram and we hope he uses his leadership to tackle those problems,” he said.
The debate was blighted by some MDC-T legislators who walked out, arguing that acting Speaker Cde Reuben Marumahoko was biased against them in picking legislators to debate.
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